Math 100A – Algebra I: Fundamentals, First Half

Prerequisite: Math 202 or the equivalent (prealgebra)

Class Meetings: Section 1023: Tue., Thur; 9:40 - 11:05 in Juniper 1

Section 1024: Tues, Thur; 11:20 - 12:45 in Juniper 1

Instructor: Maryl Landess Office Hours: Mon, Wed: 11:30 am – 1 pm

Office: Juniper 6 Tues, Thurs: 2 - 3 pm

Phone: 588 – 5175 or by appointment

E-mail: landessm@yosemite.edu

Required Materials: (please bring to class daily)

Ø Text: Beginning and Intermediate Algebra, The Language and Symbolism of Mathematics by Hall & Mercer , 2^nd ed. (we will cover sections 1.1 – 3.3 this semester)

Ø Scientific calculator

Ø Engineering paper or graph paper

Ø Ruler

Ø Pencil (sharpened before class)

Ø Eraser

Course Description:

The ability to communicate precisely is an essential part of modern society. Algebra is the language we use to communicate ideas involving numbers. Algebraic structures and rules allow us to simplify and solve complex quantitative problems. Problem solving will be explored in a variety of contexts: verbally, numerically, graphically and symbolically.

Student Responsibilities:

Learning mathematics is not a spectator sport. It is your job to actively engage in the process of learning mathematics; I can only guide you in your efforts to learn. The most critical aspect to learning mathematics is doing and understanding your homework every day.

You are responsible for

• Understanding all class lectures, discussions, activities, announcements and associated text material.
• Participating in class discussions and lab activities.
• Asking relevant questions and seeking appropriate help (as soon as questions arise!)
• Solving problems on daily homework assignments and writing up your solutions in a neat and complete manner (expect to spend 2-4 hours per class meeting).
• Submitting assignments on time; late assignments will not be accepted.
• Taking all quizzes and exams during the scheduled class period. Make-up quizzes and exams will generally not be given. You must contact me immediately if you believe your situation warrants exception to this policy.

Recommendations for success

• Read text sections prior to lecture.
• Start daily homework as soon after class as possible.

• Work with classmates on assignments.
• When you complete your homework, take some time to reflect on the assignment. Summarize for yourself the general concepts, types of questions and problems solving techniques presented in the reading, lecture and assigned problems.
• Seek help. (Office hours, Math Lab, Academic Achievement Center)
• Do not fall behind. Most lessons build on the foundations of the previous lesson. The inability to understand and apply new material quickly snowballs.
• Keep lecture notes, assignments, quizzes and exams in an organized binder.
• Maintain a record of your grades.
• Start studying early for quizzes and exams.

Grading:

Your grade in the course is based on your overall weighted average,

Daily Homework 10% (two scores dropped)

Weekly Quizzes 20% (one score dropped)

3 Exams 50%

Cumulative Final 20%

and the following scale:

90 -100 % A

80 – 89 % B

70 – 79 % C

60 – 69 % D

below 60 % F

FINAL EXAM:

Section 1023 (9:40 section): Thursday, December 13, 8 – 10 am

Section 1023 (11:20 section): Tuesday, December 11, 11am – 1 pm

Classmates:

Name

Phone

E-mail